Field Marshal Asim Munir praises multinational exercise and emphasizes readiness for modern warfare
The 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) competition was concluded in Kharian on February 9, 2026, the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.
According to ISPR, the closing ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces (COAS & CDF), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as the chief guest.
The Team Spirit Competition is a 60-hour long patrol exercise designed to improve professional military skills through the exchange of innovative ideas, tactical experiences and best practices among participating teams, the statement said. The exercise was conducted from February 5 and took place in Punjab’s semi-mountainous terrain, providing a realistic and challenging operational environment.
ISPR said that over the years PATS has evolved into a prestigious and highly competitive military exercise recognized for promoting professional excellence and mutual learning among participating nations. The forum continues to strengthen military-to-military cooperation and understanding while promoting camaraderie and team spirit in a demanding operational setting.
This year’s competition featured 19 countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, USA and Uzbekistan. Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand participated as observers.
Sixteen domestic teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy also participated, while observers from the Pakistan Air Force were present at the event.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, CDF Munir commended all participating teams for their “exceptional professionalism, physical and mental stamina, operational competence and high morale” demonstrated during the exercise. He highlighted the importance of such multinational engagements in enhancing collective preparedness and adapting to the evolving nature of modern warfare.
Reaffirming the Pakistan Army’s core values, he emphasized the enduring soldierly qualities of “character, courage and competence”, saying these had been consistently demonstrated by Pakistani soldiers, particularly in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
At the end of the event COAS & CDF presented awards to outstanding participants. International observers and defense attachés from the participating countries also attended and praised the high standard of professionalism, organization and conduct throughout the exercise.
Separately, the COAS & CDF witnessed various training activities at the National Counter Terrorism Center in Pabbi, including a visit to the newly established Tactical Simulator. He praised the efforts of the troops and the technical team and emphasized the importance of simulator-based training in addition to traditional training methods.
